Chapter 13 The Climb to Be the Very Best

"We have sudden news, a Gigantamax Drednaw is going on a rampage!" The announcer says as everyone in the stadium is in panic. Ash and Serena are outside of the stadium as the Drednaw is now facing them.

Ash yells, "Drednaw, you have to calm down!" Serena yells, "Yeah! If you don't stop, you might wreck the entire stadium!"

But the Pokemon isn't listening as it stretches his head and tries to bite them, and both trainers dodge at the right moment.

"Looks like we'll just have to battle it." Ash says. "We have to draw its attention with a battle and let it get away from the stadium."

"But how are you going to battle a Dynamax Pokemon?" Serena asks.

"I don't know, but we should try." Ash says as Serena nods. "You're not going to fight alone, I will be helping out as well."

Serena takes out a Pokeball and sends out Roserade, Ash smiles at his girlfriend and he says, "Okay, now let's do it! Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!"

The electric attack hits the Pokemon, but it doesn't seem to deal a lot of damage. Serena says, "Roserade! Petal Dance!"

Roserade spins around and throws petals, but it also doesn't seem to hurt Drednaw a lot.

As Drednaw extends its neck again, Ash says, "Here it comes...Pikachu! Electro Web!"

Pikachu fires the attack, but it ends up only momentarily slowing Drednaw down, forcing Ash and Serena to run

Drednaw chases them, but it soon extends its neck to its maximum length, preventing it from chasing them any further. The duo and their Pokémon have stumbled upon a bunch of glowing red cracks in the ground, with red lights flowing out of them and into Pikachu.

"Pikachu? What's wrong?" Ash asks in horror, and Serena says, "Ash! This phenomenon..."

Pikachu suddenly starts growing giant, and Ash, Serena, Roserade, and Scorbunny back off in a panic as Pikachu Gigantamaxes before their eyes.

"Pikachu has Gigantmaxed!" Ash says in horror as he quickly takes out his Pokedex, seeing what Max Moves Pikachu can use.

Drednaw is about to attack them, and Ash says, "Here it is! Pikachu! Use Max Strike!"

Pikachu is confused at the attack, and it gives Drednaw some time to use its signature move, G-Max Stonesurge, causing it to get hit.

Serena says, "That move was G-Max Stonesurge, a Water Type move. This move scatters sharp rocks around the field to create Stealth Rocks as well."

"Then we need to be careful." Ash says. "Pikachu, now that you Gigantamaxed, you can only use Max Moves, so transform your Iron Tail into Max Steelspike!"

Pikachu holds its tail and then slams it to the ground, causing the Steel spikes to appear on the field and damages the Drednaw. "Great job! It works!"

At the same time, Lance and Leon also rush out to the stadium, and Leon asks, "A Gigantamax Pikachu?"

Lance notices Ash and Serena and he says, "That's Ash! Does he..."

Leon notices the direction Lance is speaking, and he finds that Ash doesn't have a Dynamax Band. "No way...he can control it without a Dynamax band?"

Lance nods and he says, "Ash and his Pikachu have strong bonds to achieve everything."

Just then, Drednaw is using Max Rockfall as it tries to land the attack on Pikachu, Ash suddenly hears Leon's voice, "Quick! Tell Pikachu to use G-Max Volt Crash!"

They turn around and see both Lance and Leon, Ash says, "Lance? Leon?"

Lance says, "Your Pikachu can use G-Max Volt Crash, that's his signature move! Hurry up and do it!"

"Okay, I'll give it a try!" Ash says, "Pikachu! G-Max Volt Crash!"

Pikachu nods as it fires the attack, which not only ends up stopping Max Rockfall on its tracks but also sends Drednaw flying back.

"Now what?" Ash asks, Lance rushes to Ash and lends him the Dynamax Band and says, "Ash, quickly try to throw a Pokeball at the Drednaw!"

Ash nods as he takes out a Pokeball, only for it to get big and Ash has a hard time picking it up. "Let's go!" Ash yells as he tosses the Pokeball on Drednaw, causing it to shake three times before reverting it to normal.

"Drednaw's data is added to the Pokedex." The Pokedex says as Ash picks the Pokeball, Serena says, "I guessed we did it..."

Pikachu is also reverting to normal, and Ash hugs him and says, "You did a good job, Pikachu."

Leon also rushes towards the three and he asks, "Are you guys okay?"

"We're fine." Ash says. "Lance, Leon. Thanks for your help."

Lance says, "We should thank you as well, it is because of you that you're able to stop the Gigantamax Drednaw from approaching the stadium."

Ash says, "I think this is our first meeting, I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." Serena says, "And I'm Serena from Vaniville Town."

Leon says, "It is nice to meet you, I heard from Lance a lot about you, it is an honor to meet a fellow Champion from another region."

As they shake hands, Lance says, "Indeed, it has been a while since we met. I remembered that the last time we have seen each other is when you're fighting Team Aqua and Team Magma in Hoenn, right?"

"Yeah." Ash says. "It sure has been a while."

Just then, a staff member runs towards them and he says, "Hey you! You shouldn't Dynamax outside the stadium!"

"Wait, you got it all wrong..." Serena says.

"We were acting as bait to try to lure this Drednaw away..." Ash says.

Leon says, "They are the ones who saved the stadium from a rampaging wild Dynamax Pokemon."

"Oh, pardon me." The staff member says.

After the staff leaves, Leon and Lance decide to treat them to dinner, as they are sitting at the table, Lance says, "I have heard from the International Police that a boy who stopped Team Galactic, Team Plasma, Team Flare, and even the Ultra Beasts from wreaking havoc in Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos and Alola. Though I was surprised that the boy is actually you, Ash."

"I know, I was just accidentally getting into their schemes, and then we decided to stop them." Ash says while rubbing his head.

"Yeah, just like Team Flare, who knows that the leader tries to kidnap Ash for his power with Greninja." Serena sighs.

Leon says, "So you are also the one who has a strange-looking Greninja? It will be great if we can see it."

Ash sighs, "I didn't have it with me, it went with the Legendary Pokemon Zygarde to clean off the mess made by Team Flare, and we are not sure if they are done yet."

"I see." Lance says. "So what have you been doing now?"

"We are now as researchers in Professor Cerise's Laboratory, we are studying Pokemon for our research purposes and train hard to become a Pokemon Master." Ash says.

"Then do you want to try participating in the World Coronation Series? Judging how I see your battles, I think you will be able to get in our ranks." Lance says.

"I am not sure...since I didn't participate in this kind of tournament before..." Ash says.

"I am sure you will do fine in this kind of battle. Since you have come to the Galar Region, how about we have a battle?" Leon asks, and Ash is shocked. "Me? Battling against you?"

"Of course, since not only Lance here, a lot of Champions are speaking very highly of you as well. I will like to test out your strength." Leon says. Ash is a little hesitant, and he says, "I think I'll think of it, can I give you a reply for tomorrow?"

Leon smiles and says, "Of course, just take your time."

The next day, outside of the Wyndon Pokémon Center, Serena, Pikachu, and Scorbunny are enjoying local scones, but Ash is completely zoned out, too much in thought to even eat.

"Ash? Are you okay?" Serena asks in concern, and Ash snaps out of his thoughts, Ash says, "Sorry, Serena. I was thinking about the battle against Leon...I am not sure if I can win against him when we first met..."

"Even though both of you are Champions, his level seems to be higher than you as well..." Serena says, and then, a Pokemon comes and it tries to eat Ash's scorns, Ash notices it and he scans the Pokemon.

"Skwovet, the Cheeky Pokémon. A Normal type. Skwovet keeps Berries in its cheeks, but if its stomach is already full, it can temporarily store food in the tufts of fur on its tail."

"I don't think I have seen this Pokemon before..." Ash says.

"Maybe we should catch it." Serena says as she throws the Pokeball, capturing the Skwovet in the end. "Skwovet's data is added to the Pokedex."

"Nice job, Serena." Ash says.

Back at the fountain, Serena says, "Ash, about the World Coronation Series, I have searched about the information online."

Ash checks the information and he says, "The Top 8 Trainers in the rankings are called the Master Class. At the end of each season, these Trainers compete in a tournament, whose winner is declared the Monarch."

"Not only that, the participating Trainers are divided into four classes, based on whether an entrant wins or loses a Pokémon battle and looking at the content of the battle. All recently entered competitors compete in the Normal Class, the competitors from ranks 999 to 100 compete in the Great Class, those in ranks 99 to 9 are in the Ultra Class, and the Top 8 are in the Master Class."

"Since Leon is in the top of the ranking, which means I will need to get to the Master Class to get to him. I can feel the pressure to win battles, but I am also excited all of a sudden..." Ash says with a smile.

"So how are you guys doing?" Just then, Leon approaches them, and it causes them to be surprised.

"Leon? What are you doing here?" Ash asks in shock.

"I waw wondering about the offer, so? Do you want to have a battle?" Leon asks.

Ash says with a smile, "Of course, though it is not an official match, right?"

"Of course not." Leon says. "I also have some presents for you to come to the Galar Region."

He takes out two Dynamax Bands, and Ash says, "So with these, we can Dyanamx our Pokemon?"

"Of course, while some of your Pokemon, like this Pikachu over here, will be able to Gigantamax." Leon says.

"Gigantamax...so like my Pikachu will be using G-Max Volt Crash instead of Max Lightning...that is what Gigantamax does, right?"

"Of course." Leon says. "Not only that, Dynamaxing is triggered by recalling the Pokémon into its Poké Ball and loading it with power from the Band before sending it out again."

"But Pikachu doesn't like Pokeball...I guess we will manage with that." Ash says as Pikachu nods.

With all the information sharing out of the way, Ash and Leon take their places. Ash yells, "Pikachu! I choose you!"

"Charizard, come on out!" Leon says as both Pokemon are on the field. Ash says, "Charizard...this is what I have hoped to battle..."

"It seems you understand your partner Pokemon's feelings, I'm glad." Leon says.

Serena says, "It seems like Pikachu has the advantage..."

"But knowing Leon, he has never been beaten ever since he won the Champion as he is 10." Just then, Lance appears beside Serena and causing the girl to get shocked.

"Lance? Where did you come from..." Serena asks in shock.

"This is a match that I will not miss, considering that it is the first Alola Champion versus the Monarch of the World Coronation Series. I want to see how this battle will turn out." Lance says.

Ash says, "Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

"Charizard, counter it with Thunder Punch!" Leon says as both attacks collide with each other. Ash says, "Then use Iron Tail!" Ash says, and Charizard blocks it with Thunder Punch once again.

"Now keep going!" Leon yells, Ash calls for an Electroweb, but Charizard breaks through it with Thunder Punch before using Air Slash, scoring a direct hit.

Despite the attack, Pikachu is standing strong, Ash mutters, "Leon is really different from the other opponents that I face. Pikachu! Thunderbolt!"

"Flamethrower!" Leon yells, and the two attacks are evenly matched. Ash yells, "Go stronger and stronger!"

Pikachu is giving more power and suddenly, Ash's Dynamax band glows and Pikachu starts to Gigantamax. As the Gigantamax process takes effect, Thunderbolt is transformed into G-Max Volt Crash, which overpowers Charizard's Flamethrower and actually managed to hit it, knocking it to the ground.

"That sure is an unusual Gigantamax. But it is worth battling! Charizard! Let's Gigantamax as well!" Leon says as he recalls Charizard. While the ball becomes bigger, Leon says, "Let me show you the true Champion's Time. Gigantamax!"

After Charizard becomes bigger, Ash says, "Pikachu! Use Max Strike!"

"Use Max Airstream!" Leon says. Pikachu struggles to stand up in the face of the powerful blast of wind but is eventually thrown back.

Ash starts to sweatdrop and says, "Pikachu is new to this Gigantamaxing, while Leon is a skillful one...if it comes to this, I won't be able to win against him."

Serena is looking at Ash with concern, as Ash yells, "Pikachu! Let's raise our defenses! Max Steelspike!"

Pikachu slams the tail to the ground and causes the attack to come. Leon says, "Charizard! Max Lightning!"

Both attacks crash at each other, and both attacks are not very effective against each other. Ash says, "In that case, use G-Max Volt Crash!" "Now enjoy the climax! G-Max Wildfire!"

As both attacks crash at each other, Charizard gets paralyzed, but Pikachu is surrounded by the fire as it is losing its HP.

Lance says, "Both G-Max moves have their own effects. Charizard is paralyzed, while Pikachu is trapped in a Fire Spin."

Serena says, "Which is not good for Pikachu as its health keeps dropping..."

After three turns are over, both Pokemon are back to normal size and Ash says, "Huh? What happened?"

"After the usage of three Max Moves, Pokemon will be returned to normal size." Leon says. "Charizard, use Flamethrower!"

Ash notices how Pikachu is still feeling the burn, Ash says, "I am not going to lose! Pikachu! Quick Attack!"

Pikachu uses the speed as he flies into the fire, even though its health is losing, it still gets past the attack and tries to hit Charizard.

"Dodge it, Charizard!" Leon yells with worry, but Charizard is paralyzed to even move, causing the Quick Attack to land a critical hit, in the end, both Pokemon are knocked out at the same time.

"A Draw..." Serena gasps in shock.

"Pikachu!" Ash rushes towards his Pokemon and picks him up, Pikachu is sad as he didn't win. Leon walks towards Ash and says, "Here, have this Oran Berry."

Ash nods as he gives Pikachu the berry to eat, Ash says, "Leon, I am glad that I got to have a serious battle with you."

Leon smiles, "Battles are not fun if they're not serious. That's all there is to it."

Serena rushes towards Ash and hugs him, she says, "You are really amazing out there. Ash."

"Serena..." Ash smiles. Lance walks towards Leon and says, "What do you think of Ash?"

"I like young unrefined trainers like him, but if he wants to satisfy me more, he'll have to break out more."

"Break out more, huh?" Lance says with a smile.

After getting back up, Ash asks, "Leon, can we have another battle someday?"

Leon smiles and says, "Of course, and our next battle will be an official one and the one in front of the crowd."

After bidding farewell to Lance and Leon, Ash says, "I have made up my mind. I am going to enter the tournament and I will battle Leon again. Not to mention, I am going to win this, that's the first step towards becoming a Pokemon Master."

"I am sure you will do it. That's the Ash I know." Serena says with a smile as they watch the stadium and imaging the whole crowd and Leon.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, I have Ash and Leon battle with a draw, since Ash's Pikachu already defeated a lot of Legendary Pokemon and it will be fair if he has a draw with Leon.

New Pokemon: Drednaw, Skwovet